Postdoctoral Research Associate

University of Oxford; Oxford; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious educational institution in the UK is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to lead research investigating how neuromodulatory systems influence cognition. The role involves designing novel behavioural tasks, developing computational models, and working with non-human primates to uncover insights into decision-making. Ideal candidates should possess a PhD in Psychology or a related field and demonstrate expertise in computational modeling and neuroimaging. This position offers significant prospects for publication and research development, alongside a 3-year fixed-term contract.

Qualifications

• PhD in Psychology or a related field is required.
• Experience with computational models and neuroimaging.
• Proficient in designing and implementing behavioural tasks.

Responsibilities

• Lead a research project investigating neuromodulatory systems.
• Design behavioural tasks and develop computational models.
• Perform causal manipulations of neuromodulatory systems.

Skills

Computational modeling

Behavioural task design

Neuroimaging

Team collaboration

Leadership

Education

PhD in Psychology or related field

Tools

Ultrasound technology

Statistical software

Job description

Postdoctoral Research Associate: Investigating the role of neuromodulatory systems in cognition

Position: Post-doctoral Position

Deadline: 20 February 2026

Employment Start Date: 7 April 2026

Contract Length: Fixed-term for 3 years

City: Oxford

Country: United Kingdom

Institution: University of Oxford

Department: Experimental Psychology

The post-holder will lead a new research project in the Neuromodulatory Systems and Cognition Laboratory investigating how dopaminergic and serotonergic systems interact in the primate frontal cortex to support learning and decision-making.

The role involves designing novel behavioural tasks, developing computational models of behaviour, training and testing non-human primates, and performing causal manipulations of neuromodulatory systems using ultrasound technology for blood–brain barrier (BBB) opening and targeted pharmacological delivery. The post-holder will examine the behavioural and neural consequences of these manipulations using advanced computational and neuroimaging methods.

The post-holder will work closely with a multidisciplinary team of collaborators but will be expected to take intellectual leadership of the project, contribute to study design and analysis decisions, and drive publications. The role offers strong opportunities for first-author papers and the development of an independent research profile.

Location

Life and Mind Building, South Parks Road, Oxford, UK